Panjim: Drishti Lifesaving Pvt. Ltd supported the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) team in executing the first rip current experiment also known as RIPEX 2017. This is the first study of its kind being carried out in India by ISRO. The study is being conducted by a team of scientists at Space Applications Centre (SAC), ISRO Ahmedabad.

Rip currents are one of the most common problem causing currents witnessed along Goa’s coast with a higher rate of incidents recorded at Calangute, Baga, Anjuna and Colva beaches.

The ISRO team of scientists developed a specialized drifter using the Indian Regional Navigation Satellite System (IRNSS),NaVIC (Navigation with Indian Constellation) receiver and tested the presence of active rips along some beaches on 31st January and 1st February 2017. Drishti Lifesaving identified a well known rip at Calangute and supported the team in executing this significant experiment. In the experiment, which was recorded with a drone camera, the team observed the strong rip current and even recorded its effects extending 90 metres from the shoreline.

With the successful completion of the experiment, ISRO is looking forward to conduct in collaboration with Drishti, a more detailed study on the factors responsible for the formation of rip currents along Goa’s coastline, thereby improving public safety.

“Drishti is already working on developing some of the world’s most advanced technologies in the lifesaving space. We are thrilled with the RIPEX project and extremely humbled to be of any support to ISRO. Drishti’s lifeguards are trained and adept at identifying and conducting rescues in RIP currents. Warnings and studies generated by systems like RIPEX are critical to augment our services and enable us to pre-empt an incident.” says Ankit Somani, MD, Drishti Lifesaving Pvt. Ltd.

Rip currents and under water currents are two of the significant causes leading to rescue operations along Goa’s coast as per the incident reports maintained by Drishti Lifesaving Pvt. Ltd. In the month of January 2017, lifeguards rescued 30 swimmers arsing from 23 related incidents reported along the beach stretches in the non-swim zones.